Agra missing in UP tourism publication

Agra, Oct 4 (IANS) Tourism industry leaders are upset after realizing that Agra — home to the Taj Mahal — does not find a mention in a publication brought out now by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department.

The industry leaders and heritage conservationists here allege that injustice was being done to Agra and its famous monuments.

The 17th-century Taj Mahal, a world heritage monument, is no longer a star attraction as far as the Uttar Pradesh government is concerned, say critics here.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said the Taj, built by Mughal emperor Shahjahan, does not represent Indian culture and heritage.

His government’s focus has shifted to Mathura-Vrindavan, Varanasi, Ayodhya and other Hindu religious centres.

“Agra is India’s pride, the number one tourist attraction in the country,” a leading hotel owner said.